National Republican., 1887-01-08
Breal,fast Table Letter to the President

Mn. PRESIDENT Truth is mighty power.
In commercial affairs, where mans word is
as unquestloned as legal tender dollar, such
a man is power in any community in which
he resides or Is known.
Unquestionably, then, II is duty as well as
sound policy for the partisan press to tell the
truth when speaking of public men and meas.
ures.
At the executive mansion, truth, like fresh
air. must be refreshing, even If bluntly tod.
Did 1t ever occur to you tina, the members of
this Congress have consumed but little time in
complimenting your administration? Your
messages TO Congress will compare favorably
with those of your predecessors although your
first official duties in national affairs were as
President.
With Democratic majority of about forty in
the House, the forty.ninth Congress, having
only forty days remaining for legislation, has
totally failed to meet the pledges made to the
people by their party. Not only this, they
have totally ignored the recommended ,ns of
the Chief Executive they themselves elected.
In your first and second messages TO Congress
you discharged n constitutional duty In recon-
mending the removal OF the tax upon "im-
ported necC Cssarles of life" II seems espe-
cially wise to remove the duty upon articles
largely consumed by the masses, the natural
products of southern latitudes. In direct an
tagonism TO this recommendation the Secre.
tary OF the Treasury advised that the tax
should remain.
The effect of this want OF harmony in the ad-
minisiration itself has created divisions In
Congress- Presidential aspirants, like Ran
the opportunities presented for prompt re-
duction OF taxation to prevent the elevation of
one of themselves above the other.
All legislation is the result of compromise,
but Carlisle and Morrison have acted in such a
manner as to convince the people that they
will prevent any legislation unless they eau
have their own way.
To such an extent have they pursued this
policy that great crisis is near at hand. The
question is now presented to the American
people, Is there statesmanship and patriotism
enough in the ranks OF both parties to combine
on some simple measure that will reduce the
taxes upon few important staples OF con-
sumption, also make appropriations Of the
surplus for the construction of coast dsfenses
and liberal enlargement of the navy?
The time has come Mr. President, for you TO
assume the high prerogatve of the Chief Ex.
ecutive of the nation by sending special mes
sage to Congress and mapping out policy for
your country that will command the support
of all patriotic citizens without regard to the
effect upon either party.
Let the people know that If his Congress
fails in its duty you will call an extra session
OF the nelC Congress.
Did ever, in the history of civilized nations,
q deliberatiye body making laws for an intel
gent people Of immeasurable national In.
terests present such disgraceful stupidity aud
want of ability as the party now in power2
10 emphasize this Interrogation, you have
but to read the resolution recently adopted by
one Of the most conservative and profoundly
intelligent commercial bodies in the world,
the New York Chamber OF Commerce, that
only makes It's declarations after deliberate
and conscientious investigation.
Thus 1t speaks: "ResOipcd, Tha! IN ne opiI.
ion Of his chamber GnV lonqer delay on he part
Of those rhOse duty Is to provide adequate
protection for our harbors "a, IN as judgment, IN
tolcraJe, IN ricc.Qf The enormous Interests crposed
10 dRdck."
The masses cry aloud for the reduction of
taxation upon sugar and tobacco, and an ap-
preparation of the surplus money in the treas
ury to employ labor in the defense of the prop
erty and the honor of the nation.
Mr. President, Democratic Congress has
utterly failed, An opportunity presents Itself
to you to become the Moses and lead the peo-
pie out of the wilderness,
In this case too many cooks in the Demo.
cratic household have spoiled tho broth.
THE NATIONAL REpuBLICAS.